Reading thro' Beren's articles (Stu) I don't see any mention of the proposed price; certainly not from David Brawn (altho' I may have missed this.)

The automated email does state 'pre-order', as if you've made some commitment to purchase; which I don't think I have. Your probably correct in suggesting this is to gauge interest in title. But I can't imagine the market reacting with anything other than stagnation, if they were to sell to pre-orderers at £250, and then immediately put up to £350 upon release. Everyone would just wait until it was discounted again. But with the explicit information that it will indeed be £350, they will (legally I would guess) have to sell it at £350 at some point.

BH

Posted on: 2009/3/14 8:24

_________________You drive a hard bargain – you can have it for £10 all-in – one consolation (for you) is that you do not have to hear the cries of my children, for bread...

Khamul - You are correct, it was not from David Brawn, as it seems I was confusing two articles from TL round about the same time. However, the statement of it being 500 copies was/is at the end of the FAQ article from 17.02.09. It was reading that which prompted me to start the "Super-Deluxe Sigurd and Gudrun" thread. The 250 RRP was (and is) in the 07.02.09 update. I feel sure I read a single item that had both bits of information, but perhaps my mind connected the two bits of info.

It is probably available on Amazon, but as Amazon have not updated the stock photo, it is hard to be certain.

In any case, The Book Depository (who actually also sell on Amazon as a 3rd Party Seller) seems to be a good deal, especially with the Free Delivery.

Just placed the order, so have not received the book yet, but I have ordered from them before (but through Amazon as I did not know they had their own website) - and all was well with previous orders.

Anyway, just thought this information may be useful for buyers outside the UK as with a weak sterling and free worldwide delivery, it makes purchasing from them quite economical (and cheaper than ordering through Harpercollins own website also - even with the 30% discount).

They seem to have pretty much the full range of Tolkien Editions available also.

Christina and I also bought our copy of the new Tree and Leaf through the Book Depository. It arrived quickly, was well packed, and has the correct (new) cover. We use the Book Depository most of the time now for U.K. book orders, though Amazon.co.uk sometimes has the edge in availability and price.